Horse Welfare

Animal welfare is central to the future of the Victorian harness racing industry and is a guiding principle in the strategic direction of the organisation.

Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) has developed an Animal Welfare Framework which outlines its strategy and expectations for the care of Standardbred horses. This framework also includes Welfare Guidelines for Trainers, Raceday heat policy and Raceday Veterinary which will assist trainers and industry participants.

Equine welfare best practice is an evolving journey, and this framework builds on past work in the animal welfare area. This framework also includes Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Welfare Guidelines for Trainers to assist them to serve to guide us into the future, setting clear priorities and objectives. Any breaches of these expectations in animal welfare standards will be referred to the HRV Integrity Department for investigation.

It is expected that licensed participants, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, and other stakeholders involved in the harness racing industry read this document with associated policies and guidelines in order to familiarise themselves with industry expectations.

The HRV Integrity Department will not accept compromising welfare of a horse under any circumstances and will be responsible for taking immediate action once notified or made aware of any animal welfare concern.

Any person suspected to be in breach of compromising animal welfare standards may be referred to the HRV Racing and Appeals Disciplinarian Board and the RSPCA for official notification.